Canadian sailor dies under mysterious circumstances in Tanzanian hospital

OTTAWA — A Canadian sailor on his way home for leave has died in hospital in Tanzania.

The crewman belonged to HMCS Regina, currently patrolling the Indian Ocean as part of a multinational task force combating terrorism and pirates in the region.

“It is with the utmost sadness that I learned of the death of a sailor and I extend my sincerest sympathies to his family, friends and shipmates in HMCS Regina,” Rear-Admiral John Newton, Commander of Maritime Component Command. “I want to reassure those closest to him that the Canadian Armed Forces family is there to provide loved ones with all the support we can muster in this time of great sorrow and need.”

A release from National Defence did not identify the man, nor state his age, but said the circumstances surrounding the death are unclear.

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The family has asked that the name not be released, although it’s known the crew member was based at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt, B.C., the navy’s main station on the West Coast.

Military police have been in touch authorities in the East African country and will be investigating.

Cmdr. Daniel Charlebois, skipper of the Regina, said a statement the sailor was well liked and respected by his peers.

“I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to the friends and family of our crewman,” Commander Daniel Charlebois, Commanding Officer HMCS Regina. “He was well liked and respected by his peers and his presence will be dearly missed by all the ship’s company of HMCS Regina.”